Bible Thoughts

March 14, 2004

The apostle Paul knew there were many saints in his day that would assist those in need; teach those who were ignorant; encourage those who were despondent; receive those who loved the Lord; and identify those saints who were living the life of a Christian. He spoke good things about good folks.

In too many instances, people have a tendency to advertise only that which is unseemly in others. Such can even happen among Christians. In the minds of some it is far easier to remember the failures of others and seldom, if ever, give praise to those who live day to day living as a disciple of the Master. Such saints, too often, receive little praise and recognition for their lives and their actions that have an affect upon others. In fact, they do not seek the recognition but only desire to assist where they can in helping others and fostering the cause of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul recognized those who were diligent in the work of the Lord as they lived the life of a disciple of the Master. When the apostle wrote to the church at Rome, he commended a servant of God, Phoebe, for her diligence in being "a helper of many," including Paul(Romans 16:1-2). In the next few verses, Prisca and Aquila were identified as Paul's fellow-workers. They were willing to lay down their own necks for the safety of the apostle. He told the brethren to "Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you"(verse 6). Paul saluted two of his kinsmen and fellow-prisoners(verse 7). He identified one whom he called "my beloved in the Lord." Further, the apostle recognized those who had been helpful and diligent in the work of the Lord. Paul spoke of good things of good people. We are to follow his example.

Jeroboam was a wicked king who built an altar in defiance of Jehovah and gave himself over to idolatry. A man of God cried out against the altar created by the king. The king tried to influence the prophet in the direction of his thinking and ways, but the prophet of God refused and continued to cry out against the idolatry.

Jeroboam's personal name possibly means, "he who contends for justice for the people" or "may the people multiply"(Holman's Bible Dictionary). This king did not seek the justice from God by obeying and following His commands, but in defiance of the Lord constructed an altar of idolatry. "Two golden calves" was the object of worship for the king and those whom he could force to do homage to inanimate objects that had no life about them. Idolatry was a persistent problem among the Israelites even though they had seen and learned of the power of God and the difference between Jehovah and man-made idols.

The prophet of God that cried against the evils of the king was a man of conviction. However, as often happens to mankind, he showed his humanity as he returned from taking his message to Jeroboam. There was an older prophet who heard of the younger prophet's efforts and message. The older man went to find the younger man and discovered him sitting under an oak tree. The aged prophet said, "Come home with me and eat bread"(I Kings 13:14). The reply: "I cannot return with you, nor go with you, nor will I eat bread or drink water with you in this place"(I Kings 13:16). His reason was because the Lord had forbidden him to "eat...bread...or drink water with you(the other prophet) in this place"(I Kings 13:17). He was also told to return in a different way he had come. The older prophet lied, saying that an angel had told him that he could come to his house and eat and drink(I Kings 3:18).

The price that the younger prophet paid for his failure to follow the instructions of God was a loss of his life when a lion killed him on his way home. The message was delivered, but the instructions from the Almighty were not heeded.

In the present, one must be convicted in his heart of the need to follow the instructions of the Almighty. The Lord has set forth not only what it takes to become a disciple, but provides the instructions for one to remain faithful. Even if the disciple fails at times, the Lord makes provision for the Christian to remove any sin from his heart by the blood of Christ. Each follower of Christ must have the conviction to live the life that is outlines in the New Testament for every one who desires to live eternally with the Lord and the saved of the ages.

"We need, as a primary thing, constructive work. This none can deny. But surely we are not going to let ourselves be deluded into the devil's position to study out the issues before, with an honest search for truth, without regard as to who espoused a certain position or who did not. When my plans, schemes, and ideas get too big for investigation and sincere study as to whether or not they are pleasing in the sight of God, then my plans are too big! Let us all truly strive to manifest the spirit of Christ. When we do, we will ever be striving for truth to manifest itself alongside of error with the resultant opportunity of urging men to choose the way of truth. Truth will never suffer from a sincere investigation. Why should anyone with the truth fear investigation? Brethren, we are beginning to need urging to do things because God said to do it and not because certain preachers did or did not say to do it?"-Thomas B. Warren, Gospel Guardian, November 27, 1952

Attitudes control conduct. If one has a positive attitude toward the commands of God, he will obey. If he possesses a negative disposition, he will refuse to comply. The reception of the gospel by a sinner is directly influenced by his willingness to let Jesus rule his life.

The attitude of "I don't care what the Bible says, I want to live my life as I choose" fosters a spirit of rebellion that keeps people alienated from God. Some will not come out and say they feel in such a manner, but they will demonstrate it by their lives. Others may have a similar disposition when they are shown a plain Bible passage but refuse to accept what it says.

The only attitude that can be successful for one who desires to be a child of God is that of humility. It was possessed by Moses when he followed God's instructions to go into Egypt and deliver Israel. Joshua exemplified it when he said his household would serve God. It was seen in Samuel as Ely encouraged him to tell God, "Speak; for thy servant heareth"(I Samuel 3:10). When one humbles himself "under the mighty hand of God"(I Peter 5:6), he does what Jehovah commands.

The mission of the Lord's church is not to provide entertainment for old or young. The emphasis and the responsibility of the Lord's church is to worship God and follow His commandments.